Goats provide a number of benefits that can enhance your life, property, and income. They are ready sources of milk, they are natural weed-eaters, and they are spirited and spunky companion animals, to name just a few of the advantages that come with raising goats. However, as with raising any animal, you need to implement good care practices and provide the right livestock feed and living conditions. Below are a few do’s and don'ts to help you raise healthy, happy goats.

Do:

Buy a herd.

Goats are extremely social creatures. They have a follow-the-leader type of mentality, with a built-in social pecking order, and they rely on one another for companionship, safety, and stability.

A lone goat won't die of loneliness, but they will not be happy and will likely act out. To ensure your goats are the healthy, well-adjusted social beings they are meant to be, invest in a herd of at least three.

Provide healthy livestock feed.

Because goats will dine on a wide variety of plants and clear entire pastures if left to their own devices, there is a common misconception they can eat anything. However, they can't.

They are ruminant animals with four-chambered stomachs, and they should have a bit of variety in their diets. A typical diet should include quality livestock feed, kitchen and garden scraps, and free-range greens that they get from the pasture.

Don't:

Forget about bedding.

If their enclosure has a hard, bare floor, goats will need to rely on their bedding to stay warm and comfortable, especially when outdoor temperatures start to drop. Be sure to provide your herd with plenty of straw or hay to make their bedding. You might want to cover the floor with leftover straw or hay as well, as this will help the goats retain heat.

Rush your goat's acclimation.

Welcoming new goats onto your property is not a one-time event that will be over by sunset. Goats tend to take a while to acclimate to their new surroundings. Like many animals, they are creatures of habit, and changes to their routine and environment will require some adjustment and time.

Don't rush it or get frustrated. They need this time not only to calm down and settle in but also to develop the immune responses and antibodies needed to protect them in their new surroundings.

When you need livestock feed for your goats, visit Clifton Feed and Service Center. Since 1968, they’ve served the Bosque County, TX, region. They offer a full inventory of cattle and pet supplies, feed and feeders, game cameras, and much more. Call (254) 675-3416 or visit them online to learn more about any of their products.